KITCHENER, Ont. (Canada) -- Heading home on a trans-Atlantic flight on September 11, Ray Brubacher reflected on work he had just done with Brethren in Christ and other leaders in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. They had discussed program, negotiated a contract for facilities and considered issues within the country that affect planning for the Mennonite World Conference Africa Assembly 2003.

Brubacher is MWC Associate Executive Secretary, Events and Administration. He left Zimbabwe convinced of the need to stand in solidarity with brothers and sisters there who face uncertainty. He believes that it is important for the Mennonite and Brethren in Christ global family to worship and pray together and to celebrate God's goodness despite adversity.

When Brubacher's plane landed in Toronto, passengers learned of the terrorist attacks in the U.S. a few hours earlier. Where is safe? he wondered, an ironic twist on the question often posed to him: "Is Zimbabwe a safe place for Africa Assembly 2003?"

Brubacher believes Zimbabwe is a good place to hold the assembly in 2003. The Brethren in Christ of Zimbabwe, with a membership of about 26,000, is excited about hosting the gathering. They are beginning to realize what it means to be part of a global family of Anabaptist-related churches. Their North American counterparts, with just under 23,000 members, are coming to terms with being the conference at "centre stage" for the event, said Brubacher.

The country is experiencing unrest and some conflict at this time. A central issue currently is land redistribution, which is causing agricultural production to plummet and other businesses to close. The economy has declined sharply, accompanied by high inflation. Tourism is one business that is suffering greatly. As a result, hotels are more willing to negotiate prices.

Some people considering attending the assembly wonder about health care should they require emergency medical treatment. Zimbabwe is ravaged by HIV/AIDS, but the affliction need not affect visitors, Brubacher said. He learned that Zimbabwe was the third country worldwide to institute blood screening for HIV and that doctors now use fewer blood transfusions. They said that assembly participants could volunteer to donate blood if someone requires a transfusion. Brubacher also learned that Bulawayo, site of the assembly, has an excellent private hospital which provides 24-hour service.

Assembly gatherings will be held at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Centre. It has numerous locations for workshops, small group meetings and exhibits, dining rooms and options for mass meeting halls that can accommodate up to 10,000 people.

The program will include morning and evening mass meetings for worship, singing, prayer, preaching, Bible study, story-telling and MWC reporting. Afternoons will be open for tours, workshops, visiting global village exhibits and performances and free time.

Youth will receive special attention. In addition to having global village youth stewards, following the 1997 Calcutta model, plans are progressing for a youth summit with representatives from around the world gathering for several days before the assembly. Youth groups that plan fund-raisers will be encouraged to raise extra money to support youth who need a subsidy to attend.

In Bulawayo, Brubacher saw the word "Woza" in a sign above a take-away refreshment stand. What does it mean? he asked. "Come, there is something here for you," was the explanation -- a good word for Africa Assembly 2003, Brubacher concluded.

-- Ferne Burkhardt, MWC News Editor